“Projected Top 2012 Iowa High School Track & Field Athletes” Interview – Taylor Twedt, Sr., West Fork HS
1. When & how did you get started in track & field? My dad was the high school track coach when I was young and I always went to his practices. I was three when I ran in my first Iowa Games.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field? I sat on Natasha Kaiser-Brown’s lap when I was little and ever since then I follower her. Another Iowan I look up to is Lolo Jones, but if it weren’t for my mom and dad backing me through everything I wouldn’t be here.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)? My favorite event is high jump, but I am looking forward to learning new events next year like the javelin and competing in multi-events.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)? My dad has always coached me outside of school, but he also co-coaches my high school track team with Jill Rowe.
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program? I have to consistently work on speed, strength and endurance training that will impact all my events. When you are training, remember what you are working towards.
6. Your favorite track & field meet? I love going to the Drake Relays. They get so many names to come and compete, and the atmosphere is so energetic.
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against? Whenever Hannah Willms was at a meet, I knew I had good competition but also a friend to talk to. We became very close.
8. Your greatest experience in track & field so far? At the 2011 State Track Meet it was down pouring when I was high jumping. I had just won my first high jump title and I looked at my dad in the crowd and we both knew what had just happened. I ran straight over to him and hugged him.
9. Goals for the 2012 track & field season? My goal for this season is to come home with the white flag you get when you win an event at the Drake Relays. I have come close too many times. High jumping close to 6 feet and claiming State titles are also on my list.
10. Long-term goals in track & field? I want to become a successful athlete next year at the University of Wisconsin and to be remembered as a very good track and field athlete. I have talked with coaches over there, and we are looking forward to this fall. Another goal would be to get the chance to wear the United State’s track and field Olympic uniform.